Agriculture

The need to increase food production and restructure agriculture in the early years of European integration following the
Second World War led to the common agricultural policy (CAP).

Ensuring a stable supply of affordable and quality food for the EU's half a billion citizens, as well as a substantial volume
of exports, it also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the future of rural communities, villages and towns, biodiversity,
the landscape and soil quality.

Radically reshaped in 2013 in order to be fairer, greener, more efficient and more innovative, the CAP remains of key importance,
contributing to more sustainable and inclusive growth, key objectives of the EU's 2020 Strategy.